The HSE Midlands Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Unit and the Regional Centre for Nursing and Midwifery Education presented the Inaugural Midlands Midwifery Conference.
They collaborated with the Maternity Units at Regional Hospital Mullingar and the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise for the event which was held in the Tullamore Court Hotel on November 15.
Titled ‘Woman-centred Care through Collaborative Midwifery and Obstetric Practice’, it was attended by approximately 100 delegates.
They represented Maternity units from all over Ireland, while front line midwives could follow proceedings and engage virtually through live streaming.
It provided an educational platform for our Midwives to showcase their advancements in maternity care.
While also learning from keynote speakers from the UK, Ms Sascha Wells Munro, Deputy Chief Midwifery Officer for England and Professor Donald Peebles, Professor of Maternal Foetal Medicine who have made significant strides in promoting collaborative care and maintaining and promoting a strong emphasis on quality and safety in practice.
The voice of a mother, Malvina Walsh, touched the hearts of all present as she shared her personal experiences of maternity care.
Much credence was afforded to her valued input, heightening awareness and stimulating attendees as they embrace an evolving journey towards woman-centred care.
Midwives were inspired and enthused by the interrelated presentations and resultant discussions provoked by the keynote speakers, other featured speakers, exhibitors and poster presenters, each passionately representing their individual areas.
The Inaugural conference was very positively evaluated by all and was seen as both a wonderful learning and networking opportunity for those leading and providing maternity services in the Midland Region and beyond.
